Don't Wait
JJ Cale & Leon Russell Lyrics

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Don't wait, don't wait
Don't wait for the good times to come
We got 'em right here, we're on the run
Don't wait, don't wait
Going back, going back
Going way back, back in time
Another place, another mind
Going back, going back

Walk on, walk on
Walk on straight ahead
Don't look around, don't turn your head
Walk on, walk on
Fly away, fly away
Fly away away with me
I never been so flying free
Fly away, fly away
Bye bye, bye bye
Please don't ever say

You're leaving me, you're going away
Bye bye, bye bye

Overall Meaning

The song "Don't Wait" by JJ Cale and Leon Russell encourages living in the present moment, instead of waiting for something better to come along. The lyrics "Don't wait for the good times to come, we got 'em right here, we're on the run" reminds listeners that good times are already happening and to take advantage of them. By going back in time to "another place, another mind" in the lyrics "going way back, back in time," the authors suggest that the past might not have been as great as it is remembered, and it is best to focus on the present.

In the chorus, the lyrics "walk on straight ahead, don't look around, don't turn your head" encourages a forward-looking attitude and not dwelling on the past. The song suggests that the performers and listeners should embrace their freedom by "flying away" and not saying goodbye to the present moment.

Overall, the song suggests that living in the present is the best way to enjoy life and encourages listeners to make the most of what they have now.

Line by Line Meaning

Don't wait, don't wait
Do not hold back, do not hesitate

Don't wait for the good times to come
Do not wait for better times to arrive

We got 'em right here, we're on the run
We have good times in the present moment and we are enjoying them while we continue forward

Going back, going back
Revisiting past memories

Going way back, back in time
Traveling deep into the past

Another place, another mind
A different location and state of mind

Walk on, walk on
Continue moving forward

Walk on straight ahead
Keep going in a straight line without veering off course

Don't look around, don't turn your head
Do not let distractions steer you off your path

Fly away, fly away
Escape and soar freely